What started with a general acquaintance on the “So Win” Nike campaign has now blossomed into quite a friendship between WNBA queen Caitlin Clark and one of the best female soccer players ever, Alexia Putellas, as is quite evident with the sweet handwritten note of encouragement that Putellas has sent to Clark, along with a PR package. Caitlin has also responded to the gift in her own humorous flair, leaving fans bewildered.

“I’m coming out of retirement,” writes Caitlin, followed by a cheeky emoji that shows her naughty side.

Well, Caitlin is not retired by any means, and neither is she contemplating it, as she is still very fresh into her career. But it seems she is talking about the time away from the sport. After a lower-body injury reduced her season to just 13 games last year, compared to her full 40-game rookie season in 2024, she has pretty much been on a sabbatical.

Clark’s last game was against the Connecticut Sun on July 15th, 2025, and since then, she has not played in an official capacity. While many of her colleagues are using this time to sign up with Unrivaled, Clark has chosen to focus on her recovery and business investments, turning down a lucrative deal from the Breanna Stewart-Napheesa Collier-run organization.

Even then, CC’s stock prices are far from dipping, and she is now the most marketable name in women’s basketball. And since great recognizes great, Alexia knows what it takes to be there at the top.

Putellas is one of the greatest soccer players ever to have graced the game with almost every trophy in the bag – Ballon d’Or Féminin (2021, 2022), FIFA Women’s World Cup (2023), Golden Player Woman Award: 2022, among many other trophies that she has won in her illustrious career.

This heartfelt gesture from Putellas to Clark is more than a one-off moment of kindness. Where elite athletes from entirely different sports publicly celebrate and support one another’s excellence.

Showing how greatness transcends boundaries, inspiring fans and peers alike. A classic example is the long-standing friendship between NFL legend Tom Brady and soccer icon David Beckham. What began as a chance connection (sparked in part by their families and shared high-profile lives) has evolved into genuine mutual respect, with the two frequently supporting each other’s ventures.

Alexia’s warm letter must have motivated Clark even further. Her “Keep shining, keep pushing and changing the game” quote must have resonated with Clark in every way possible, because she has been the personification of it and is on the road to recovery to play a full season in the WNBA this year.

CC’s New Training Video Gives Fans Hope

Caitlin Clark’s new video, circulating on social media, is gaining quite a following lately, showing her juggling tennis balls. Ironically enough, this was the same skill that gave her problems when she tried it last September, as captured on video by her close friend and teammate, Sophie Cunningham.

Caitlin did not struggle a bit and looked in control the entire time, never losing sight of the ball. Well, juggling has always required good hand-eye coordination, which is critical in a game like basketball.

Caitlin’s training has not been limited to just this. Clark had recently joined Team USA at training camp, a development viewed as a positive indicator that she has recovered well from the injuries that had kept her away from the court for so long.

Now, all these are positive signs and show that if the season officially opens in May this year, she will be ready to jump right in without needing further rehabilitation time.

Caitlin Clark is expected to be back in the lineup during the Fever’s preseason schedule that will see her go head-to-head with Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings, and Breanna Stewart’s New York Liberty. Though the regular season is expected to open on May 9th, it is still unclear whether everything regarding the CBA deal will be sorted out by then.